War Rock, developed by K2, is an Online First Person Shooter. Upon downloading (yes you heard me right - the game is free), you are plummeted into a world caught up in a war between the Rebel Forces (NIU - National Independence Union) and the soldiers of President Zaripov, better known as the Derberan. The game spans across over 20 maps and three different modes as well as several unique classes to choose from as the war between an oppressive government and their oppressed people commences. So what are you waiting for? Pick up that AK47 and let the battles begin!

Free to Play!?

Yup that's right - it's free to play! Play 'till your heart's content, all of the way to level 100 (the max level). However, K2 needs to make it's money somehow. Thus, premium was created. For $15 a month, you receive Gold Premium which comes with a number of bonuses including +50% XP, 55K+ dinar (in game currency which is used to buy guns among other things) and access to special weapons. For those who do not wish to pay $15, there is also Silver and Bronze Premium ($10 and $5, respectively), which allow you some of the bonuses of Gold Premium. However, you won't unlock them all without spending a little cash. Please note that you are NOT required to have Premium. The game is just as fun without!

You Mentioned Modes...

War Rock currently encompasses three different and unique modes: Close Quarters Combat (better known as CQC), Urban Ops (UO) and Battle Group (BG). Each mode is bigger than the last, but that doesn't mean that they're any better. All three modes are completely of their own and offer a different style of play.

Close Quarters Combat

Close Quarters Combat consists of the smallest maps. However, don't let that fool you. Those who are looking for a test of reflex and skill will seek refuge here. In CQC, games consist of 8 or 16 players - one trying to plant the bomb, the other trying to defuse. In order to win, you must be victorious in at least 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 different "rounds" (you can adjust this before you begin to play). One team will plant the bomb (that team will ALWAYS be Derberan) and the other, if said bomb is planted, will have 45 seconds to defuse it (NIU). If the bomb is defused, then NIU wins and if it is not then Derberan wins. You can also win by annihilating the entire other team, overlooking the bomb in general. However, if the bomb is planted and you are on NIU, you will need to both defuse and destroy every member of the opposing team. Tricky, eh?

Since CQC is the smallest of the modes, it also goes by the fastest. You get one - count 'em one - life per round. Also, you may use a deadly arsenal consisting of flash mines, flash bangs, grenades, and, of course, your trusty guns.

CQC includes, but is not limited to, the following maps:

Perhaps the most commonly played in War Rock, Marien is the most open-ended map in CQC. Marien is for those who like a variety as there's room to snipe, room to camp (but be careful - in War Rock, you only have one chance to live so camping isn't always the best option), and room to rush in head first screaming "LEERROOOOY!!!". Be warned, however... you may get your head blown off in the process.

Another extremely dynamic map, Velruf is one of my personal favorites. Both the NIU and the Derberan sides are equal in pros and cons in this map, and if you're smart you'll learn how to exploit each side. Although not particularly open-ended, Velruf is for those who wish to test their skills in one of the hardest maps to master.

You will find yourself getting lost in Cadoro. Consisting of many hallways all intertwined, you'll need to be fast on your feet if you want to survive the round. Snipers aren’t favored here. However, if you can learn how to master Cadaro, you’ll have no problem in its maze of passageways.

Urban Ops

Urban Ops is the balance between CQC and Battle Group. Many maps are "medium sized" and all of them allow much room for sniping, close quarters combat and vehicle (yes vehicle) skills in order to do well. Urban Ops is very different from CQC in two ways: One, the objective of UO is NOT to plant the bomb, but instead to capture bases. Two, players get more than one life per round. Whoever wins or loses is now based on a life counter (which is displayed at the top of each players' game). Lives can range from 500 to 50, depending upon how many people you want to incorporate. To compensate for the increase in map size you, can now have 8, 12, 20 or 24 people in a match.

UO includes, but is not limited to, the following maps:

Montana is one of the favorites of UO. It allows room for both sniping and for ground assaults, as well as the occasional vehicle. Since Montana’s main appeal exists in the buildings (in which many of the spawns are), a lot of the brawling between Derb and NIU is close quarters. However, if you manage to venture outside of your homebase building, you’re likely in for a surprise as many-a-sniper will be waiting for you… unless, of course, you manage to score yourself a tank .
Harbor Elia contains within itself several buildings with a main central building. Around said building are various sniper spots as well as crates that are ideal for camping. The middle building tends to clog up so be warned! Also, beware of snipers as there are several towers within Elia that give those with a sniper rifle a perfect shot at your head. There are no tanks or vehicles on this map.

Emblem can actually be played in both Battle Group (later to come) and Urban Ops. Its extreme popularity isn't due to this fact, however. Instead, many War Rock players favor it because it is THE ideal map for sniping. With two hills (both of which allow you to see the entire map) and several rooftops to choose from, snipers of every kind go ballistic here. But don't feel too left out, assaultiers, because instead each one of Emblem's buildings is a chance to satisfy your hunger for the perfect headshot.

Battle Group

BG includes, but is not limited to, the following maps:

Have you ever wanted to fly an airplane? To drive a boat? To completely pwn someone with a helicopter? I now introduce to you Battle Group. Battle Group has by far THE LARGEST maps in War Rock and, of course, the most amount of players (I mean c'mon. Can you get any wilder than 64 players in a single room?). Aside from offering a wide variety of sexy metal deathtraps, Battle Group does allow for some ground combat as well as some very nice sniper spots.

Yes that's correct - those are runways you see. Conturas' appeal comes as one thing and one thing only - fighter jets! And it gives you plenty of room to bask in your own glory. As one of the largest maps in WR, you'll have no problem in terms of space to master your jet skills. But watch out for enemies - they'll have the same advantage that you do.

This map is not recommended for those who don't know how to fly a helicopter (it isn't that hard to learn, though). Another big map, Pargona East will have you ducking for cover as a helicopter swoops overhead, threatening to take out you and your entire team. But have no fear - there are plenty of helicopters for everyone. Just watch out for the water. Water + heli = insta-death.

Engrene is one of the less-appreciated and therefore less-played maps. But don't let that fool you - like its fellow Battle Group brothers and sisters, Engrene gives you the chance to test out your skills in a tank or in a helicopter. You also get to enjoy a very nice view as you travel in your sweet ride all the way across the map (just be careful... anti-heli guns are everywhere!).

Classes

Yes - I did mention a class system. There are currently five different classes, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Which class you are largely determines your style of play, and the class that you choose to be (you can switch every round in CQC and every death in UO and BG) will largely be impacted by the map (unless you're hardheaded ).

The engineer deals with vehicle support. Able to repair damaged tanks, helicopters, boats, and anything else you can think of, they are largely valued in Battle Group and Urban Ops. Instead of grenades they come equipped with a wrench that does no damage but heals all modes of transport.

The medic is one of the most useful classes. Like her name implies, she's the healer of the bunch. Instead of grenades, the medic carries a "Medic-Kit" which she will inject into people when they're "bleeding out" (below 30%). The Medic-Kit heals 30% per shot if used on yourself and 40% per shot if used on a teammate. Although the Medic's guns aren't the fastest, they are the most powerful, thus making the medic an all around excellent class.

The sniper is very self-explanatory. If you're able to master one of the sniper rifles, you will have no problem kicking some major ass. Just make sure that you're out of view otherwise you'll get a major surprise from behind. The sniper also has grenades.

The assault class possesses the most powerful guns in War Rock. However, it doesn't have any other "special skills", making this class very generic. Another bonus is that the assault carries two grenades.

The heavy trooper requires the most skill to use. Using rockets (and the occasional mini-gun), everything that they do is all or nothing with only one shot. What's so great about this? The shot is a one-hit kill. Also, as an added bonus, the Heavy Trooper is the only class that can take out enemy tanks. Their land-mines will make quick work of enemy vehicles.

Leveling Up

Like in real life, certain guns require a certain amount of experience. This is where the War Rock leveling system comes in. As you play matches you'll slowly advance through the ranks starting form Private and ending in General. At certain levels you will unlock certain guns, each better than the last. However, all of these guns are worthless if you don't know how to use them... so choose wisely!

Bellow is a list of all of the ranks

Guns

Like I've previously said, which guns you can use depends on the level. Below are SOME of the guns that are available to you in WR.

AK-47

about: With high recoil and high damage, the AK-47 has great potential.
Class: Assault
Level: 1

FAMAS

about: Although it is the loudest gun in War Rock, the FAMAS is also one of the most powerful.
Class: Assault
Level: 16

M24

about: The M24 is the beginning sniper rifle. Not too hard to master and not a 1-hit-kill, this gun has a lot of potential.
Class: Sniper
Level: 1

about: A one-hit kill if used effectively. One shot per round.
Class: Heavy Trooper
Level: 1

Colt

about: The most basic weapon. The Colt is good if and only if one knows how to use it.
Class: All
Level: 1

Dual Barettas

about: The Dual Barettas are actually a pistol. They're fast and powerful. However, accuracy is not their strong point.
Class: All
Level: 11

Flashbang

about: One of the most fun weapons in the game. Stun everyone around you with this nifty tool.
Class: All
Level: 1

In Game Screenshots (With Help From My Section Mates!)

Below is some epic pwnage. Please enjoy the pretty pictures I have to offer.

WAR ROCK (NA)!!!!

The Verdict?/Conclusion

Overall, War Rock is a very enjoyable game. Although not the prettiest and not the newest, it serves it's purpose well and provides fun for all. The lag is tolerable and the community is nice if you can ignore the ones who flame you because, well, you rock .

Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 7/10
Online: 9/10
Clan System: 8/10

Overall: 8/10

Grade: B

Thank you everyone for reading. I appreciate any feedback that you may have.

Regards,
WNxshell

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Credits

ALL of my images (except the one listed below and those under "In Game Screenshots") come from the official War Rock site www.warrock.net. I DO NOT take ANY credit for ANY for these images. All credit goes to www.warrock.net, K2 and GamersFirst.